Physical Activity in Aging Population

Armelda Teta,Gjergji Doka,Klara Hysenaj,Mitilda Gugu Karoli,Rezarta Stena

doi:10.26417/ejis.v5i3.p74-80

Abstract

It is known that worldwide populations are aging, and also that physical activity can play an important role in minimizing impairments characteristic of old age. Adopting a more active lifestyle and doing regular physical activity, including aerobic and resistance exercises, daily walking etc. have been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters in older adults. We assessed a potential participant from Elbasan (Albania), 67 years, for eligibility to participate in a 5 month training program. The subject gave written informed consent before inclusion.The following parameters were measured at the beginning (baseline) and end of the training period: BMI, body fat percentage, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility and range of motion, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, as well as VO2 max, directly and/or an estimate using the Rockport fitness test estimate. An initial evaluation was carried out just before starting the training (baseline). A second evaluation was made 5 months after starting the program of physical exercise (post training). Each evaluation included the recording of health related events, such as any changes in previous symptoms, as well as measurements of balance, flexibility, body composition, coordination, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity, to detect any changes that might have been induced specifically by physical activity. The subject’s attendance and participation in the program was also recorded. Range of motion for each part evaluated (trunk, hip, cervical region and shoulder) is improved about 15-20° degree. BMI, hand grip strength, lower/upper limb and trunk flexibility, heart rate, balance, pain intensity, VO2 max are also improved after training program. Following a training program or a regular physical activity in older adults minimise impairments characteristics in this age and cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal parameters. According to the low importance shown in my country for the physical activity in older adults, I want to emphasize the importance of state structures involvement and the sensibilization of this group of age to stimulate an actively participation in physical training programs followed by professionals for bests life parameters. A higher investment for this age group, building as many facilities as possible for activation and spending quality free time, hiring more physiotherapists in nursing homes will increase life motivation and improve the quality and the parameters of living.

Highlights

It is known that worldwide populations are aging, and that physical activity can play an important role in minimizing impairments characteristic of old age
Older adults with severe obesity usually show a greater impairment in mobility than those who are less obese, and it should be taken into account that even less obese individuals show a significant decline in mobility (Hergenroeder et al, 2011)
We assessed a potential participant from Elbasan (Albania), 67 years, for eligibility to participate in a 5month training program

Summary

Introduction

It is known that worldwide populations are aging, and that physical activity can play an important role in minimizing impairments characteristic of old age. Occupational therapy, prescription of assistive devices, environmental, and home living adaptation, and family or caregiver educational training represent an essential rehabilitative strategy in elders developing disability In these people, falls are dramatic events that lead to hospitalization, functional decline, decreased social activity, and poor quality of life. 2011) concluded that there is strong evidence supporting the positive effects of exercise training on physical fitness, functional performance, performance in activities of daily living, and quality of life in even in frail individuals. Increasing physical activity through walking and physical exercising can help with decreasing blood pressure, decreasing systolic blood pressure, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, reducing high cholesterol, improving bone density and joint flexibility.Strength and coordination training can reduce postural tremor amplitude in elderly individuals (Keogh, Morrison, & Barrett, 2010). For such programs to be sustainable and reach as many of the target population as possible, it is clearly desirable to avoid complex costly programs

Methodology

Range of motion

Visual analogue scale for pain

Findings

Physical activity program